Marguerite Morphey

Marguerite Mary Morphey, 70, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Hanson Hospice Center, with her family and husband by her side.

Margie was born on Aug. 15, 1953, to Franklin and Lorraine Samuelson in Evanston, Ill. She graduated from Hinsdale South High School (Class of 1971) and furthered her education through Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, earning her RN degree. On Aug. 17, 1974, she married the love of her life, and high school sweetheart, Jim Morphey. Together, they moved eight times around the United States with their four children and were married three months short of 50 years.

In her professional life, Margie dedicated herself to serving at various medical institutions, including Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Despite her dedication to nursing, she found her greatest fulfillment in her role as a wife, mother and homemaker, cherishing her family above all else. Known for her warm and compassionate nature, she was viewed as a mother by many and could see the good in everyone that she met. To know her, is to love her.

Margie had a deep affection for birds, Lake Michigan, sports (Go Cubs!), weather, nature, Christmas and stargazing. Among her greatest joys was the cabin she and Jim shared in Lewiston, Mich. Acquiring the cabin in 2017 fulfilled a shared dream, and it became a sanctuary where they forged countless cherished memories together with their family and friends.

Her favorite saying, and one she lived by daily is "If you see a person without a smile, give him yours."

Marguerite is survived by her husband Jim Morphey; children: Michael (Kara) Morphey, Megan (Douglas) Hogan, Annie (Justin) Fulmer and Mary (Justin Johns) Morphey; grandchildren: Keegan, Maddox, Duncan, Braxton and Eli; mother, Lorraine Samuelson; and siblings: Charles Samuelson, Mary Vanerka, Anna (Jeff) Young, Franklin Jr. (Laura) Samuelson, Eileen (Lenny) Cumbo and Lori (Rich) Duran. She was preceded in death by her father, Franklin J. Samuelson, and sister, Marie "Mitzi" Singel.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Memorial contributions in Marguerite's name may be made to Mayo Clinic-Cancer. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Margie's last message to all: Live happy and love unconditionally.